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Hawaafez aims for Simon success

Marcus Tregoning is feeling confident about Hawaafez's chance in the Worthington's Champion Shield Navigation Brewery Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

Better known as the St Simon Stakes, the Group Three has attracted a competitive 11-runner field and Hawaafez arrives on the back of a comfortable win in the Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot.

"This is a better race than the Cumberland Lodge. She's in very good form, she's a lightly raced mare and there's no telling where they will stop improving once they start. I'm really happy with her at home, I really couldn't get her any better," said the trainer.

"It would be useful to have her around next year, but that's to be discussed another day. We know she'll handle the ground, that will be crucial, but she's got a penalty now. Even so, she must have a good chance."

Godolphin run both the Ebor winner Willing Foe and Songcraft, third and fourth respectively behind Hawaafez at Ascot.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor told the Godolphin website: "Willing Foe was a little disappointing at Ascot, when the ground was too testing. A mile and a half is a nice distance for him and I am hopeful of a better run, providing the ground is not too soft again.

"Songcraft came out of Ascot in good order and we want to give him another chance in a Group contest."

Fattsota has been on a steep upward curve for Marco Botti this season and steps out of handicaps for the first time after destroying a decent field at Ascot off a mark of 99 last time out.

The trainer said: "He's definitely improving and I think it is down to the step up in trip. He appreciates a bit of cut in the ground, so that should not be a problem, and he won nicely at Ascot last time out.

"This is a step up in class, but his rating suggests he should be running in it. He's still a fresh horse and he looks well. I'm looking forward to it. He's been winning handicaps and this is tougher, but this race and track should suit him."